Guide To Puppy Travel

Transporting your puppy over long or short distances requires more planning than most would think. There are certainly more steps to transporting a puppy via an airplane than by car however, both types of transport require some preparation ahead of time.

If the puppy is to be transported to another state or country, there are certain requirements that must be met before the puppy can travel. The puppy must be up to date on all vaccinations that are mandatory by the state or country the puppy will be traveling to. This usually includes a rabies vaccination. You must also be aware of and abide by all the laws and regulations concerning incoming puppies within the destination country or state. If the destination is another country, these laws and customs regulations can be found by contacting the appropriate Consulate within the United States.

When traveling via airplane it is usually mandatory for the puppy to have a health certificate within ten (10) days of travel from a licensed veterinarian stating that the puppy is free of any contagious, infectious or communicable diseases. This certificate must also contain an acclimation statement which would affirm the temperatures between which the puppy would be able to adapt.

Consideration also needs to be given to the carrier within which the puppy would be transported. If the puppy will be traveling via airplane as pet cargo, a plastic transport crate would be sufficient. You would need to find the suitable size for your puppy. A general requirement is that the puppy should be able to stand comfortably in the crate. Dishes for food and water must be mounted within the crate so that the puppy is nourished throughout the trip. You should also decorate the crate with the appropriate "Live Animal" and "This Way Up" stickers to ensure a smooth and safe trip for your puppy.

If the puppy will be traveling via car then a plastic travel crate, a soft sided carrier, a regular metal crate or a seatbelt harness are all suitable to keep your puppy safe within the car during vehicular movement. The type of containment you choose for transport within the car would depend completely on your puppy's preferences. This trip needs to be as comfortable for your loved one as it must be for yourself.

In short, planning your pet's move ahead of time is the safest choice especially if the puppy is traveling to foreign territory. Having the proper documentation, travel crate and knowledge prior to the day of travel will give you the peace of mind you will need to provide your puppy with a comfortable and safe travel experience.

Visit our website http://www.InternationalKennel.com for more information about us. All of our puppies, hand-selected and sold through the International Kennel Club, are bred for quality, temperament and trainability. These puppies are provided by our professional licensed breeders.